Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu has once again spoken candidly about the film industry’s long-standing fixation on highlighting certain parts of a woman’s body on screen. Addressing the conversation around midriff and cleavage being emphasised in films, Taapsee clarified that her earlier comments on the subject were taken out of context and misunderstood.

During a previous interaction with Galatta Plus, she was asked about the perception that South Indian cinema focuses more on the midriff while Hindi cinema tends to highlight cleavage. Taapsee explained that her response was part of a broader discussion about how female actors are viewed and framed, but selective excerpts from that conversation created unnecessary controversy.

Speaking about the issue in detail, Taapsee said that the problem is not about which body part is being highlighted. Instead, she believes the larger concern lies in the “gaze” through which women are presented on screen. According to her, whether it is the midriff or the cleavage, the underlying issue is the objectifying lens that often shapes female characters.

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She clarified that she never labelled Bollywood or the South film industry as being obsessed with specific body parts. Rather, she was addressing the general fixation that exists across industries.

Taapsee also shared her personal experience from the early days of her career. She revealed that when she started acting, she was determined not to take on overly glamorous roles until she had proven her abilities as an actor. In some South Indian projects, she did feel pressure related to styling choices, including emphasis on certain looks. However, in Bollywood, she said she was not directly asked to reveal her midriff or wear padding, partly because she initially avoided such roles.

Quoting her thoughts on the matter, Taapsee said she acknowledges that the fixation exists and that it can create awkward situations on set. She explained how such conversations are often hinted at rather than openly discussed, especially when there are very few women present during filming. The discomfort, she noted, is felt not only by actors but sometimes even by directors who struggle to communicate these expectations.

Through her clarification, Taapsee emphasised that confidence, consent and comfort should guide any styling or portrayal decisions not societal judgment or industry pressure.